We both laughed. I loved being the one with the upper hand. I usually was when out with a man… Cash was the only exception.
“I feel like every free moment I have I’m living flashbacks of my life. Things I did wrong, dishonest things, the few good things I have done, and all these damn things I wish I could change.”
“Like?” I was intrigued.
“I have always acted selfish.”
I took a sip of my drink, the second dirty martini, and another bite of my appetizer, taking in every word he was saying. I studied the way his green eyes looked as he talked, showing remorse and pain.
I couldn’t lie and say I wasn’t enjoying it.
“For example, the relationship I could have had with my brother. Instead, we have wasted so many years fighting. I’ve hurt him by sleeping with his past girlfriend, always trying to take his girls, hell, I even tried to ruin him and Breigh.”
“You sure did.”
“Not only did I get slapped for that one, but remind me what you did to my Land Rover…”
“If I recall I did several things. That pretty dent for one. Coffee I accidentally spilled. Your poor Rover. Whoops. And then you helped me perfect my slapping technique. I still have you to thank for learning exactly where to slap a man to make it sting the worst.”
We both started to laugh. It seemed like ages ago.
“In all fairness, you deserved more for getting information from me about Breigh and her ex and then blackmailing her, then kissing her to hurt your brother! You were a piece of crap.”
“Were being the important word there. I made so many poor decisions. I knew my father was unfaithful to my mother. I treated my mother like crap. I had an aunt who tried to be a part of my life and I was a complete ass to her. I just feel like I have wasted so much.”
“What do you think is bringing this all on? I mean, I’m not complaining, I think it’s great you’re having an epiphany.”
“I don’t know and that equally scares me as much as it excites me.”
I think he did know though and just wasn't sharing. Either way, I liked watching him processing wrongs he had committed.
“You aren’t dying, are you?” I laughed a little after I said it, somewhat scared.
Cash met my eyes and I froze. I began shaking because I knew he was going to kiss me, and God help me, I wanted it so badly.
But he didn’t. He moved close to speak softly what he wanted to say. “I am so sorry for everything I’ve ever done wrong to you.”
Those words might have been more powerful than any kiss I ever had.
I began to tear up and there was no way I was going to let this night end this way.
I had the upper hand, remember?
“I believe you’re sorry, Cash. I really do. But I have to be strong enough now that I don’t let it happen any longer. We’ve great chemistry… that is undeniable, but my heart can’t take it any longer. It really can’t.”
“Is there someone else? Are you dating someone serious now?”
I considered lying, I really did, but I didn’t. Not this time. “No. But I haven't given up yet.”
“Good for you, Emma. Good for you.” He smiled sweetly and then we toasted to making wrongs right.
Then I got up and left and went home by myself, smiling. I spoke the truth and I got to spend the evening with Cash Galloway.
I had my dignity for the first time ever when leaving him.
5
CASH
The worst part about finding out your father was stealing money, for himself might I add, was when you were told as your office was being closed by federal officials. I had no warning, and was caught off guard just like everyone else. I was his son, for God’s sake. That apparently didn’t mean anything to him.
I was sitting in the conference room talking with a few of our associates, Robert and Dan, when they came in. My secretary came flying in with a frightened look on her face, as if the place was on fire.
“I tried to tell them to let me come get you, sir, but they didn’t allow it.”
“It’s okay, Gayle. Thank you.”
I stood up, buttoning my tailored, dark Armani suit jacket, confident I would deal with any issue that had come up. I had before. But I had no idea what I was getting into.
“Mr. Galloway?”
“Yes. Cash Galloway.” I held out my hand to shake his but he ignored it. He was all business, not entertaining my gesture at all.
“Do you happen to know where Wesley Galloway is?”
“I’m afraid to say I don’t. Can I help you with something?”
The other businessmen in the meeting were staring at me, trying to compute what was happening. Our oldest associate, Robert, one of my father’s personal friends, had a look on his face like he wanted to run for his life. He definitely knew more than I did.
“As of this moment, this company is being seized by the United States Government for fraud and theft. As of now the theft amount is upward of two million dollars.”
My mouth dropped, unsure of what was going on. I was trying to process what was being said.
“Right now two people are being arrested, Wesley Galloway and Robert James.”
I turned to look at Robert and his eyes told me everything I needed to know. The color left his face and the paleness was undeniable. He was guilty and so was my father. Robert put his hands to his head and left them there, as if he was in a horrible nightmare. I had a feeling he was wishing they would disappear when he looked back up.
“There is no way this company has stolen anything. This is a
